Exercise as medicine! Physical activity mitigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depressive symptoms in adults with depression.

We investigated the longitudinal association between physical activity (PA) and symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used data from baseline (June 2020) to wave 3 (June 2021) of the PAMPA Cohort, an ambispective cohort with adults in south Brazil. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale assessed depressive and anxiety symptoms in all waves. Participants reported frequency (minutes), type (aerobic, strength, combined), and place (out of home, at home) of physical activity at baseline. Generalized linear models were used to investigate the interaction between time and PA, adjusting for possible confounding variables. Subjective memory decline was assessed using multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models to obtain adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and respective 95% confidence interval (CI). Participants (n = 424) with self-reported clinically diagnosed depression were included. We observed a non-linear increase trajectory of depression during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. PA was associated with a slower trajectory of depressive (slope: -1.89; 95%CI: -3.34, -0.43 points) but not anxiety (slope: -1.33; 95%CI: -2.93, 0.25 points) symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who continued physically active from pre-pandemic in wave 1 showed a lower risk of subjective memory decline during follow-up than those who persisted inactive in the same period (HR: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.30, 0.89). PA attenuated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depressive symptoms in adults living with depression in south Brazil. Regularity of physical activity was associated with fewer depression and anxiety symptoms and a lower risk of subjective memory decline.

Multimorbidity and use of health services in a population diagnosed with COVID-19 in a municipality in the Southern Region of Brazil, 2020-2021: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess association between multimorbidity and use of health services in a population diagnosed with COVID-19, in southern Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with data from a longitudinal study carried out in the city of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2021 with all adult individuals diagnosed with COVID-19; descriptive analyses were performed and presented as proportions with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI); Poisson regression was performed and reported as prevalence ratios (PR) in order to assess association between multimorbidity (3 or more diseases) and healthcare service use. RESULTS: In total, 2,919 participants were included, of which 40.4% had multimorbidity (≥ 2 diseases); the adjusted results showed that individuals with multimorbidity were more likely to use most of the services assessed, PR = 3.21 (95%CI 1.40;7.37), for Emergency Rooms. CONCLUSION: Multimorbidity was associated with using different types of health services.

Multimorbidity and use of health services in a population diagnosed with COVID-19 in a municipality in the Southern Region of Brazil, 2020-2021: a cross-sectional study / Multimorbilidad y uso de servicios de salud en una población diagnosticada con covid-19 en un municipio de la región sur de Brasil, 2020-2021: estudio transversal / Multimorbidade e uso de serviços de saúde em população diagnosticada com covid-19 em município da região Sul do Brasil, 2020-2021: estudo transversal

Abstract Objective: To assess association between multimorbidity and use of health services in a population diagnosed with COVID-19, in southern Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with data from a longitudinal study carried out in the city of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2021 with all adult individuals diagnosed with COVID-19; descriptive analyses were performed and presented as proportions with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI); Poisson regression was performed and reported as prevalence ratios (PR) in order to assess association between multimorbidity (3 or more diseases) and healthcare service use. Results: In total, 2,919 participants were included, of which 40.4% had multimorbidity (≥ 2 diseases); the adjusted results showed that individuals with multimorbidity were more likely to use most of the services assessed, PR = 3.21 (95%CI 1.40;7.37), for Emergency Rooms. Conclusion: Multimorbidity was associated with using different types of health services.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre multimorbilidad y uso de servicios de salud en una población diagnosticada con COVID-19, en el Sur de Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal con datos de un estudio longitudinal realizado en la ciudad de Río Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, en el año 2021, con todos los individuos adultos diagnosticados con COVID-19; se realizaron análisis descriptivos y se presentaron como proporciones con intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%); se realizó una regresión de Poisson y se informó como razón de prevalencia (PR). Resultados: En total se incluyeron 2.919 participantes, de los cuales el 40,4% presentaba multimorbilidad (≥ 2 doenças); los resultados ajustados mostraron que los individuos con multimorbilidad tenían mayor probabilidad de utilizar la mayoría de los servicios evaluados, RP = 3,21 (IC95% 1,40;7,37) para unidades Primeros auxilios. Conclusión: La multimorbilidad se asoció con el uso de diferentes tipos de servicios de salud.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre multimorbidade e uso de serviços de saúde em uma população diagnosticada com covid-19, no Sul do Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, utilizando-se dados de um estudo longitudinal realizado na cidade de Rio Grande, estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, em 2021, com todos os indivíduos adultos diagnosticados com covid-19; análises descritivas foram realizadas e apresentadas como proporções com intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%); a regressão de Poisson foi realizada e relatada como razão de prevalências (RP), para avaliar a associação entre multimorbidade e utilização de serviços de saúde. Resultados: Dos 2.919 participantes, 40,4% apresentavam multimorbidade (≥ 2 doenças); os resultados ajustados mostraram que indivíduos com multimorbidade (3 ou mais doenças) apresentaram maior probabilidade de utilização da maioria dos serviços avaliados (RP = 3,21; IC95% 1,40;7,37) em unidades de pronto-socorro. Conclusão: A multimorbidade esteve associada à utilização de diferentes tipos de serviços de saúde.

Prevalence and factors associated with long COVID in adults from Southern Brazil: findings from the PAMPA cohort.

Most COVID-19 survivors have reported experiencing persistent symptoms after the infection - these types of cases are known as long COVID. Since Brazil was an epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, a high burden of long COVID is expected. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with long COVID in adults in Southern Brazil, analyzing data from the PAMPA cohort. Participants filled out a self-reported online questionnaire in June 2022. This study only included subjects who tested positive for COVID-19. Long COVID was defined by any symptoms that persisted for at least three months after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Poisson's regression models with robust variance were used to identify factors associated with long COVID; and results were reported as prevalence ratios (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). A total of 1,001 participants (77.4% women, mean age [SD] = 38.3 [11.9] years) were analyzed. The prevalence of long COVID among these patients was 77.4% (95%CI: 74.7; 79.9). The likelihood of long COVID was higher in unvaccinated participants (PR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.06; 1.42), in those with chronic conditions (PR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.04; 1.24), and in those who were hospitalized due to the COVID-19 infection (PR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.16; 1.32). This prevalence was also higher in women (PR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.09; 1.33) than in men. Physical activity was associated with a reduced likelihood of fatigue, neurological complications, coughing, and headaches as persistent symptoms after a COVID-19 infection. It was found that three out of four adults in Southern Brazil experienced long COVID. Public policies aiming to reduce the burden of long COVID must be prioritized, especially in groups that are at higher risk of developing this harmful condition.

Physical activity status prevents symptoms of long covid: Sulcovid-19 survey.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is indicated as a treatment for Long COVID, but prevention is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) before and after acute SARS-Cov-2 infection and the presence of Long COVID symptoms in adults. METHODS: We used data from the Sulcovid-19, a longitudinal study carried out with individuals who were infected by SARS-Cov-2 between December/2020 and March/2021. Participants were asked about 19 symptoms commonly associated with long COVID. Three PA variables were built, as follows: (1) remained inactive; (2) became inactive; (3) remained active. RESULTS: 2.919 people were interviewed. The prevalence of individuals who had at least one symptom of Long COVID is 48.3% (95%CI 46.5-51.1). Our results showed that 71.8% (95%CI 70.1-73.4) of the individuals remained inactive, 14.9% (95%CI 13.6-16.2) became inactive and 13.3% (95% CI 12.1-14.6) remained active. The likelihood of experiencing long COVID symptoms was reduced in the musculoskeletal (PR 0.70; 95%CI 0.49-0.99), neurological (PR 0.61; 95%CI 0.43-0.88), and respiratory (PR 0.58; 95%CI 0.35-0.96) systems in those who remained active. In addition, the likelihood of experiencing Long COVID symptoms was 7% less in those who remained active. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous PA practice showed important protection effect for Long COVID symptoms in adults.

Musculoskeletal pain during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection and healthcare utilization: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the reorganization of health services to cater to the needs of individuals affected by the virus. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association between musculoskeletal pain during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the utilization of health services among adults in southern Brazil.  METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with individuals aged 18 years and older, who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between December 2020 and March 2021. Questionnaires were electronically collected using tablets through the REDCap platform via phone calls. The health service utilization outcomes assessed included Primary Health Care, general practitioners, private emergency care, and specialized services. The exposure variable was the presence of musculoskeletal pain during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection in different regions, such as cervical, upper limbs, thoracic, lumbar, and lower limbs. Poisson regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between health service utilization during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection and musculoskeletal pain during and after the infection with SARS-CoV-2 among adults in southern Brazil. Data were analyzed using the Stata 16.1 statistical package.  RESULTS: A total of 2,919 individuals were interviewed. Overall, individuals with musculoskeletal pain were found to utilize health services approximately 15 percentage points higher when compared to those without musculoskeletal pain. In adjusted analysis, individuals who reported musculoskeletal pain during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection were up to twice as likely to use health services. Among them, the emergency care unit was the most frequently used service, particularly in those with pain in the lower limbs (RP=2.19, 95% CI 1.66-2.87) and thoracic region (RP=2.04, 95% CI 1.47-2.84). Notably, the highest magnitudes of association were observed with emergency care units, specialist doctors, and specialized services, especially neurologists, who were two to three times more likely to be sought, followed by pulmonologists.  CONCLUSION: Health service utilization was significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection. All regions, except for the cervical region, showed a correlation with the use of Primary Health Care. The thoracic region featured an association with pulmonologists and emergency room utilization. Additionally, health services like emergency care units, specialist doctors, and specialized services, including cardiologists and neurologists, were commonly utilized across all regions in southern Brazil.

Inequalities in the receipt of healthcare practitioner counseling for adults after COVID-19 in southern Brazil.

Health counseling is a prevention and health promotion action, especially in the context of a pandemic, for both preventing disease and maintaining health. Inequalities may affect receipt of health counseling. The aim was to provide an overview of the prevalence of receiving counseling and to analyze income inequality in the receipt of health counseling. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional telephone survey study with individuals aged 18 years or older with diagnosis of symptomatic COVID-19 using RT-PCR testing between December 2020 and March 2021. They were asked about receipt of health counseling. Inequalities were assessed using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Concentration Index (CIX) measures. We used the Chi-square test to assess the distribution of outcomes according to income. Adjusted analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment. RESULTS: A total of 2919 individuals were interviewed. Low prevalence of health counseling by healthcare practitioner was found. Participants with higher incomes were 30% more likely to receive more counseling. CONCLUSIONS: These results serve as a basis for aggregating public health promotion policies, in addition to reinforcing health counseling as a multidisciplinary team mission to promote greater health equity.

Socioeconomic inequities in specialized health services use following COVID-19 in individuals from Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on inequalities in the health services use is important for public policy formulation, even more so in a pandemic context. The aim of this study was to evaluate socioeconomic inequities in the specialized health use services according to health insurance and income, following COVID-19 in individuals residing in Southern Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional telephone survey with individuals aged 18 years or older diagnosed with symptomatic COVID-19 using the RT-PCR test between December 2020 and March 2021. Questions were asked about attendance at a health care facility following COVID-19, the facilities used, health insurance and income. Inequalities were assessed by the following measures: Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Concentration Index (CIX). Adjusted analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment using the Stata 16.1 statistical package. RESULTS: 2,919 people (76.4% of those eligible) were interviewed. Of these, 24.7% (95%CI 23.2; 36.3) used at least one specialized health service and 20.3% (95%CI 18.9; 21.8) had at least one consultation with specialist doctors after diagnosis of COVID-19. Individuals with health insurance were more likely to use specialized services. The probability of using specialized services was up to three times higher among the richest compared to the poorest. CONCLUSIONS: There are socioeconomic inequalities in the specialized services use by individuals following COVID-19 in the far south of Brazil. It is necessary to reduce the difficulty in accessing and using specialized services and to extrapolate the logic that purchasing power transposes health needs. The strengthening of the public health system is essential to guarantee the population's right to health.

Tendência de desigualdades na realização de mamografia nas capitais brasileiras nos últimos dez anos / Trend of inequalities in the performance of mammography in Brazilian capitals in the last ten years

Resumo O objetivo foi verificar a tendência de desigualdade na realização de mamografia de acordo com a posse de plano de saúde e escolaridade a partir de dados do período de 2011 a 2020 do VIGITEL. Estudo de base populacional com dados provenientes do Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (VIGITEL) entre 2011 e 2020. Desfecho: exame de mamografia nos últimos dois anos em mulheres de 50 a 69 anos. A magnitude das desigualdades do desfecho em relação às exposições (plano de saúde e escolaridade) foi estimada por meio de dois índices: slope index of inequality (SII) e concentration index (CIX). A prevalência de cobertura da realização de mamografia (2011-2020) passou de 74,4% para 78,0%, com tendência estável. As prevalências de quem possuía plano de saúde foram 85,7% e 86,4%, e de quem não possuía, 63,4% e 71,2%, com tendência crescente. De acordo com a escolaridade, em mulheres com 0-8 anos de estudo a prevalência passou de 68,2% para 72,6%; 9-11 anos, de 80,4% para 80,0% (tendência decrescente); 12 anos ou mais, de 88,0% para 86,6% (tendência decrescente). Quanto aos índices de desigualdade absoluta (SII) e relativa (CIX) da escolaridade e plano de saúde, mostram que há uma diminuição na desigualdade nos últimos dez anos.

Abstract The objective was to verify the trend of inequality in the realization of mammography exam according to the possession of health insurance plan and schooling from data from the period 2011 to 2020 of VIGITEL. Population-based study with data from the Surveillance System of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (VIGITEL) between 2011 and 2020. Outcome: mammography exam in the last 2 years in women aged 50 to 69 years. The magnitude of inequalities of outcome in relation to exposures (health insurance plan and education) was estimated using two indices: inequality slope index (SII) and concentration index (CIX). The prevalence of mammography exam (2011-2020) increased from 74,4% to 78,0%, with a stable trend. The prevalence of those with health insurance plan were 85,7% and 86,4%, and without 63.4% and 71.2%, with an increasing trend. According to education, women with 0-8 years of schooling the prevalence increased from 68,2% to 72,6%, 9-11 years from 80,4% to 80,0% (decreasing trend), 12 years or more 88,0% to 86,6% (decreasing trend). As for the absolute (SII) and relative (CIX) inequality indices of schooling and health insurance plan show that there is a decrease in inequality over the last 10 years.

[Trend of inequalities in the performance of mammography in Brazilian capitals in the last ten years]. / Tendência de desigualdades na realização de mamografia nas capitais brasileiras nos últimos dez anos.

The objective was to verify the trend of inequality in the realization of mammography exam according to the possession of health insurance plan and schooling from data from the period 2011 to 2020 of VIGITEL. Population-based study with data from the Surveillance System of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (VIGITEL) between 2011 and 2020. Outcome: mammography exam in the last 2 years in women aged 50 to 69 years. The magnitude of inequalities of outcome in relation to exposures (health insurance plan and education) was estimated using two indices: inequality slope index (SII) and concentration index (CIX). The prevalence of mammography exam (2011-2020) increased from 74,4% to 78,0%, with a stable trend. The prevalence of those with health insurance plan were 85,7% and 86,4%, and without 63.4% and 71.2%, with an increasing trend. According to education, women with 0-8 years of schooling the prevalence increased from 68,2% to 72,6%, 9-11 years from 80,4% to 80,0% (decreasing trend), 12 years or more 88,0% to 86,6% (decreasing trend). As for the absolute (SII) and relative (CIX) inequality indices of schooling and health insurance plan show that there is a decrease in inequality over the last 10 years.

O objetivo foi verificar a tendência de desigualdade na realização de mamografia de acordo com a posse de plano de saúde e escolaridade a partir de dados do período de 2011 a 2020 do VIGITEL. Estudo de base populacional com dados provenientes do Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (VIGITEL) entre 2011 e 2020. Desfecho: exame de mamografia nos últimos dois anos em mulheres de 50 a 69 anos. A magnitude das desigualdades do desfecho em relação às exposições (plano de saúde e escolaridade) foi estimada por meio de dois índices: slope index of inequality (SII) e concentration index (CIX). A prevalência de cobertura da realização de mamografia (2011-2020) passou de 74,4% para 78,0%, com tendência estável. As prevalências de quem possuía plano de saúde foram 85,7% e 86,4%, e de quem não possuía, 63,4% e 71,2%, com tendência crescente. De acordo com a escolaridade, em mulheres com 0-8 anos de estudo a prevalência passou de 68,2% para 72,6%; 9-11 anos, de 80,4% para 80,0% (tendência decrescente); 12 anos ou mais, de 88,0% para 86,6% (tendência decrescente). Quanto aos índices de desigualdade absoluta (SII) e relativa (CIX) da escolaridade e plano de saúde, mostram que há uma diminuição na desigualdade nos últimos dez anos.

Clustering of Obesogenic Behaviors Associated With Bullying Roles Among 100,794 Adolescents.

Obesogenic behaviors have been individually associated with bullying during adolescence. However, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet manifest themselves in synergy and even behavioral profiles in which positive and negative behaviors coexist can be more positively associated with psychosocial outcomes. The present study aimed to analyze the association between clusters of obesogenic behaviors and different bullying roles in Brazilian adolescents. This cross-sectional study used data from the Brazilian School-based Health Survey-PENSE, 2015. A total of 100,794 male and female adolescents of the ninth-grade elementary school participated in the study. Students responded to an electronic questionnaire. Clusters of obesogenic behavior consisted of physical activity, exposure to sedentary behavior, and diet, and the different roles in bullying were: participant, victim, bully, and bully-victim. Binary logistic regression with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used for data analysis (p < .05). Multiple adjustments and complex sampling procedures were employed. Adolescents in the cluster "Health-promoting sedentary behavior and Diet" had reduced chances of participating in bullying (odds ration [OR] = 0.70; 95% CI [0.64, 0.76]), of being a victim (OR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.76-0.99), and being the bully (OR = 0.65; 95% CI [0.59, 0.71]); and those from the cluster "Health-promoting physical activity and Diet" had reduced chances of participating (OR = 0.81; 95% CI [0.76, 0.87]), being a victim of bullying (OR = 0.86; 95% CI [0.76, 0.98]), being the bully (OR = 0.79; 95% CI [0.72, 0.85]), and being a bully-victim (OR = 0.74; 95% CI [0.61, 0.90]), when compared to those from the "health-risk" cluster in the adjusted analysis. Clusters of obesogenic behavior may reduce adolescent bullying: victim, bully, and bully-victim benefit when exposed to healthier behavioral profiles. The school setting must recognize bullying as a problem and therefore simultaneously promote multi-component interventions to tackle physical activity, sedentary behavior, and eating behavior. Outcomes other than obesity should be acknowledged when promoting obesogenic behaviors.

Lack of access to medications for hypertension and diabetes mellitus among aged from 2017 to 2019 in Brazil / Falta de acesso a medicamentos para hipertensão e diabetes mellitus entre idosos de 2017 a 2019 no Brasil

Objective: to identify sociodemographic and regional differences in the lack of access of aged Brazilians to medicines for hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus in the last 30 days, in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019, based on data from the Telephone-based Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases (VIGITEL). Methods: a population-based transversal study using data from VIGITEL. Were eligible the elderly (≥60 years) who answered affirmatively to the questions "In the past 30 days, did you have been without any hypertension medications for some time?", "In the past 30 days did you have been without any high to control diabetes for some time?", and "In the past 30 days, did you ran out of insulin?" Chisquared test was used to describe the prevalence of the outcome in accordance with the independent variables, and ajusted Poisson Regression was used to estimate the prevalence ratio and respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: the prevalence of the outcome was 11.8% in 2017, 11.4% in 2018, and 11.2% in 2019. A higher prevalence of lack of access to medications for hypertension and diabetes mellitus was observed among elderly people of black/brown/yellow/indigenous skin color, less educated, beneficiaries of Bolsa Família, without private health plan and living in the Northeast and North regions.Conclusion: there was a small reduction in the lack of access to medication for hypertension and diabetes between 2017 and 2019. Furthermore, the results reveal inequality in access to these medicines

Objetivos: identificar diferenças sociodemográficas e regionais na falta de acesso de idosos brasileiros a medicamentos para hipertensão e/ou diabetes mellitus nos últimos 30 dias, nos anos de 2017, 2018 e 2019, com base nos dados da Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (VIGITEL). Métodos: estudo transversal de base populacional com dados do VIGITEL. Foram elegíveis os idosos (≥60 anos) que responderam afirmativamente às questões "'Nos últimos 30 dias, o(a) Sr.(a). ficou sem algum dos medicamentos para controlar a pressão alta por algum tempo?', 'Nos últimos 30 dias, o(a) Sr.(a). ficou sem algum dos medicamentos para controlar a diabetes por algum tempo?' e 'Nos últimos 30 dias, o(a) Sr.(a). ficou sem insulina?'". O teste qui-quadrado foi utilizado para descrever a prevalência do desfecho de acordo com as variáveis independentes e a Regressão de Poisson ajustada foi utilizada para estimar a razão de prevalência e respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: a prevalência do desfecho foi de 11,8% em 2017, 11,4% em 2018 e 11,2% em 2019. A prevalência de falta de acesso a medicamentos para hipertensão e diabetes mellitus foi maior entre os idosos de cor da pele preta/parda/amarela/indígena, com menor escolaridade, beneficiários do Bolsa Família, sem plano privado de saúde e residentes nas regiões Nordeste e Norte. Conclusão: houve uma pequena redução na falta de acesso a medicamentos para hipertensão e diabetes entre 2017 e 2019. Além disso, os resultados revelam desigualdade no acesso a esses medicamentos

Prevalence and factors associated with long COVID in adults from Southern Brazil: findings from the PAMPA cohort / Prevalência e fatores associados à COVID longa em adultos do Sul do Brasil: achados da coorte PAMPA / Prevalencia y factores asociados con el COVID largo en adultos del Sur de Brasil: hallazgos de la cohorte PAMPA

Abstract: Most COVID-19 survivors have reported experiencing persistent symptoms after the infection - these types of cases are known as long COVID. Since Brazil was an epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, a high burden of long COVID is expected. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with long COVID in adults in Southern Brazil, analyzing data from the PAMPA cohort. Participants filled out a self-reported online questionnaire in June 2022. This study only included subjects who tested positive for COVID-19. Long COVID was defined by any symptoms that persisted for at least three months after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Poisson's regression models with robust variance were used to identify factors associated with long COVID; and results were reported as prevalence ratios (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). A total of 1,001 participants (77.4% women, mean age [SD] = 38.3 [11.9] years) were analyzed. The prevalence of long COVID among these patients was 77.4% (95%CI: 74.7; 79.9). The likelihood of long COVID was higher in unvaccinated participants (PR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.06; 1.42), in those with chronic conditions (PR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.04; 1.24), and in those who were hospitalized due to the COVID-19 infection (PR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.16; 1.32). This prevalence was also higher in women (PR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.09; 1.33) than in men. Physical activity was associated with a reduced likelihood of fatigue, neurological complications, coughing, and headaches as persistent symptoms after a COVID-19 infection. It was found that three out of four adults in Southern Brazil experienced long COVID. Public policies aiming to reduce the burden of long COVID must be prioritized, especially in groups that are at higher risk of developing this harmful condition.

Resumo: A maior parte dos sobreviventes da COVID-19 relatou sintomas persistentes após a infecção, também conhecida como COVID longa. O Brasil foi um epicentro da pandemia de COVID-19, logo, espera-se uma alta carga de COVID longa. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a prevalência e os fatores associados à COVID longa em adultos no Sul do Brasil. Foram analisados dados da coorte PAMPA. Os participantes preencheram um questionário online autoaplicável em junho de 2022. Foram incluídos apenas os participantes que testaram positivo para COVID-19. A COVID longa foi definida como qualquer sintoma que persistiu por pelo menos três meses após a infecção do SARS-CoV-2. Os modelos de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta foram usados para identificar fatores associados à COVID longa; os resultados foram relatados como razão de prevalência (RP) e seus respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). Ao todo, 1.001 participantes (77,4% mulheres, idade média [DP] = 38,3 [11,9] anos) foram analisados. A prevalência da COVID longa foi de 77,4% (IC95%: 74,7; 79,9). A probabilidade da COVID longa foi maior em participantes não vacinados (RP = 1,23, IC95%: 1,06; 1,42), pessoas com condições crônicas (RP = 1,13, IC95%: 1,04; 1,24), e pacientes hospitalizados devido à infecção por COVID-19 (RP = 1,24, IC95%: 1,16; 1,32) em comparação com as contrapartes. A prevalência foi maior em mulheres (RP = 1,21, IC95%: 1,09; 1,33) do que em homens. A atividade física foi associada à probabilidade reduzida de fadiga, complicações neurológicas, tosse e dor de cabeça como sintomas persistentes após a infecção por COVID-19. Três em cada quatro adultos no Sul do Brasil tiveram COVID longa. Políticas públicas que visem reduzir a carga da covid longa devem ser priorizadas, especialmente nos grupos de maior risco desta condição.

Resumen: La mayoría de los supervivientes de la COVID-19 relató síntomas persistentes tras la infección, también conocida como COVID largo. Brasil fue un epicentro de la pandemia de COVID-19, así, se espera una alta carga de COVID largo. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la prevalencia y los factores asociados con la COVID largo en adultos en el Sur de Brasil. Se analizaron datos de la cohorte PAMPA. Los participantes rellenaron un cuestionario en línea autoadministrado en junio de 2022. Solo se incluyeron los participantes que dieron positivo para COVID-19. La COVID largo fue definida como cualquier síntoma que persistió durante al menos tres meses tras la infección del SARS-CoV-2. Se utilizaron los modelos de regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta para identificar factores asociados con el COVID largo; se relataron los resultados como razón de prevalencia (RP) y sus respectivos intervalos de 95% confianza de 95% (IC95%). En total, se analizaron 1.001 participantes (el 77,4% mujeres, edad media [DP] = 38,3 [11,9] años). La prevalencia del COVID largo fue del 77,4% (IC95%: 74,7; 79,9). La probabilidad del COVID largo fue más alta en participantes no vacunados (RP = 1,23, IC95%: 1,06; 1,42), personas con condiciones crónicas (RP = 1,13, IC95%: 1,04; 1,24) y pacientes hospitalizados debido a la infección por COVID-19 (RP = 1,24, IC95%: 1,16; 1,32) en comparación con sus contrapartes. La prevalencia fue más alta en mujeres (RP = 1,21, IC95%: 1,09; 1,33) que en hombres. La actividad física se asoció con la probabilidad reducida de fatiga, complicaciones neurológicas, tos y dolor de cabeza como síntomas persistentes tras la infección por COVID-19. Tres de cada cuatro adultos en el Sur de Brasil han tenido COVID largo. Se deben priorizar las políticas públicas destinadas a reducir la carga del COVID largo, sobre todo en los grupos de mayor riesgo para esta condición.

Analysis of access to health services in Brazil according to sociodemographic profile: National Health Survey, 2019. / Análise do acesso a serviços de saúde no Brasil segundo perfil sociodemográfico: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2019.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the access to and utilization of health services among the Brazilian population according to sociodemographic characteristics, based on the 2019 National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS). METHODS: this was a cross-sectional descriptive study based on a PNS sample; the prevalence and respective confidence intervals of data stratified by sex, schooling, age and national macro-region of residence were calculated; data were analyzed using Stata software version 16.1. RESULTS: a total of 293,725 individuals were interviewed; males showed lower proportion of medical consultations (66.6%) and were less likely to seek care (17.6%); among those living in the North region, 69.1% had medical consultations; 16.5% of individuals with low level of education obtained medication through the Brazilian Popular Pharmacy Program. CONCLUSION: the results reinforce iniquities in access to and utilization of health services, in addition to the need for monitoring indicators in order to guide health policies in Brazil.

Physical activity pattern before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and association with contextual variables of the pandemic in adults and older adults in southern Brazil.

Aim: To compare the physical activity pattern before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and verify the association with contextual, behavioral, and health variables related to the pandemic in adults and older adults from southern Brazil. Subject and methods: This is a panel-type, population-based study in Rio Grande-RS and Criciúma-SC, with 4290 individuals. The physical activity pattern (dependent variable) was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-IPAQ. In addition, contextual, behavioral, and health aspects related to the pandemic (independent variables) were assessed by questionnaires. Fisher's exact test was used for bivariate analyses and Poisson regression with robust variance to calculate crude and adjusted prevalence, with their respective 95% confidence intervals. Results: There was a 72% reduction in commuting physical activity and a 145% increase in physical inactivity when compared before and during the pandemic. Social distancing, excessive search for information about COVID-19, fear of the pandemic, and COVID-19 infection were all factors that contributed to the decline in physical activity during the pandemic. The home office was a protective factor for physical inactivity. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the pattern of physical activity in the general population, except for those who switched to working from home. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10389-022-01789-x.

Analysis of access to health services in Brazil according to sociodemographic profile: National Health Survey, 2019 / Análisis del acceso a los servicios de salud en Brasil según perfil sociodemográfico: Encuesta Nacional de Salud, 2019 / Análise do acesso a serviços de saúde no Brasil segundo perfil sociodemográfico: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2019

Objective: To describe the access and use of health services in the Brazilian population according to sociodemographic indicators, according to the National Health Survey (PNS) 2019. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study based on a PNS sample. Prevalence and confidence intervals of data stratified by sex, education, age and macroregion were calculated. Data analyzed in Stata software version 16.1. Results: 293,725 individuals were interviewed; men had a lower proportion of medical consultation indicators (66.6%) and sought less health care (17.6%). Among those living in the North region, 69.1% went to a medical appointment. 16.5% of less educated individuals obtained medication through the Popular Pharmacy Program. Conclusion: The results reinforce inequities in the use of and access to health services in Brazil and the need to monitor indicators to guide health policies.

Objetivo: Describir el acceso y uso de servicios de salud en la población brasileña según indicadores sociodemográficos del Encuesta Nacional de Salud (PNS) 2019. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal con base en muestra del PNS. Se calcularon prevalencias e intervalos de confianza para datos estratificados por sexo, escolaridad, edad y macrorregión. Datos analizados en el software Stata versión 16.1. Resultados: 293.725 personas fueron entrevistadas; hombres tenían menor proporción de consulta médica (66,6%) y buscaban menos atención médica (17,6%). Entre los residentes en región Norte, 69,1% acudió a consulta médica. 16,5% de las personas con menor nivel educativo obtuvieron medicamentos mediante el Programa de Farmacia Popular. Conclusión: Los resultados refuerzan las inequidades en uso y acceso a servicios de salud en Brasil y la necesidad de monitorear indicadores para orientar políticas de salud.

Objetivo: descrever o acesso e utilização de serviços de saúde na população brasileira segundo características sociodemográficas, de acordo com a Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) 2019. Métodos: estudo descritivo transversal, a partir de amostra da PNS; foram calculadas as prevalências e respectivos intervalos de confiança dos dados, estratificados por sexo, escolaridade, idade e macrorregião nacional de residência; os dados foram analisados utilizando-se o software Stata versão 16.1. Resultados: foram entrevistados 293.725 indivíduos; os do sexo masculino apresentaram menores proporções de consulta médica (66,6%) e de procura por atendimentos de saúde (17,6%); entre aqueles residentes na região Norte, 69,1% realizaram consulta médica; 16,5% dos indivíduos menos escolarizados obtiveram medicamentos pelo Programa Farmácia Popular. Conclusão: os resultados reforçam as iniquidades no acesso e utilização dos serviços de saúde, além da necessidade de monitoração dos indicadores, para orientar políticas de saúde no Brasil.

[Trends and inequalities in self-reported cervical cancer screening in Brazilian capitals from 2011 to 2020]. / Tendência e desigualdades no rastreamento autorrelatado do câncer de colo de útero nas capitais brasileiras entre 2011 e 2020.

This study aimed to verify the temporal trend and inequalities in self-reported cervical cancer screening in Brazilian capitals from 2011 to 2020. This is a trend study with Risk and Protective Factors Surveillance System for Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases Through Telephone Interview (Vigitel) data from 2011 to 2020. The outcome was the prevalence of cytopathological examination in the last three years. Slope index of inequality (SII) and concentration index (CIX) were used to estimate inequalities. An increasing trend in the outcome was observed in Brazil in the period surveyed, as well as a decrease in most regions, capitals, and in all groups according to education. There was a decrease in coverage in most regions of Brazil. We highlight that SII presented its worst results in 2011 and 2012, reaching 15.8p.p. (95%CI: 14.1; 17.6) and 15.0p.p. (95%CI: 13.1; 16.9), respectively, among women with 12 years or more of education. There was a decrease in coverage of cervical cancer screening in most Brazilian regions and capitals from 2011 to 2020. In the period before and during the pandemic, a reduction in the outcome was observed in the South and Southeast regions, suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic caused geographical inequalities in the coverage for this exam in Brazil.

Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a tendência temporal e desigualdades no rastreamento autorrelatado do câncer de colo de útero nas capitais brasileiras entre os anos de 2011 e 2020. Estudo de tendência com dados da Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (Vigitel) de 2011 a 2020. O desfecho foi a prevalência de realização de exame citopatológico nos últimos três anos. Para estimar as desigualdades, foram utilizados os índices de desigualdade de inclinação (slope index of inequality - SII) e de concentração (concentration index - CIX). Observou-se tendência crescente do desfecho no país no período pesquisado e queda na maioria das regiões, capitais e em todos os grupos de acordo com escolaridade. Houve uma queda da cobertura na maioria das regiões do Brasil. Destaca-se que o SII apresentou seus piores resultados em 2011 e 2012, alcançando 15,8p.p. (IC95%: 14,1; 17,6) e 15,0p.p. (IC95%: 13,1; 16,9), respectivamente, entre as mulheres com 12 anos ou mais de estudo. Houve queda na cobertura da realização do exame preventivo de câncer de colo de útero na maioria das regiões e capitais brasileiras entre os anos de 2011 e 2020. No período antes e durante a pandemia, houve redução do desfecho no país, nas regiões Sul e Sudeste, sugerindo que a pandemia de COVID-19 acarretou desigualdades geográficas na cobertura desse exame no país.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar la tendencia temporal y las desigualdades en el seguimiento autoinformado de cáncer de cuello uterino en las capitales brasileñas entre 2011 y 2020. Estudio de tendencias con datos de Vigilancia de Factores de Riesgo y Protección de Enfermedades Crónicas por Encuesta Telefónica (Vigitel) en el período de 2011 a 2020. El desenlace fue la prevalencia del examen citopatológico en los últimos tres años. Para estimar las desigualdades se utilizaron los índices de inequidad absoluto (slope index of inequality - SII) y de concentración (concentration index - CIX). Hubo tendencia a un aumento del desenlace en el período en estudio y un descenso en la mayoría de las regiones, capitales y en todos los grupos según el nivel educativo. Se observó un descenso en la cobertura en la mayoría de las regiones de Brasil. Se destaca que el SII presentó un peor resultado en 2011 y 2012, alcanzando 15,8p.p. (IC95%: 14,1; 17,6) y 15,0p.p. (IC95%: 13,1; 16,9), respectivamente, entre mujeres con 12 años o más de escolaridad. Hubo un descenso en la cobertura de la detección de cáncer de cuello uterino en la mayoría de las regiones y capitales brasileñas entre 2011 y 2020. En el período anterior y durante la pandemia, hubo una reducción en el desenlace para el país, en las regiones Sur y Sudeste, lo que apunta que la pandemia del COVID-19 provocó desigualdades geográficas en la cobertura de este examen a nivel nacional.

Perfil e distribuição espacial de óbitos por COVID-19 no município de Rio Grande/RS em 2020 / rofile and spatial distribution of COVID-19 deaths in the municipality of Rio Grande/RS in 2020

Objetivo: Descrever o perfil de óbitos por COVID-19 no município de Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo, com dados oriundos do banco de óbitos da Vigilância Epidemiológica, registrados no período de março a dezembro de 2020. Resultados: Dos 194 óbitos, a maioria era do sexo masculino (63,4%), com 60 anos ou mais (82,5%), de cor da pele branca (82,5%), residentes na região central histórica do município (11,3%). Quanto à ocupação, a maior ocorrência de óbitos foi entre os aposentados (69,5%), seguido por comerciante ou autônomo (17,7%). Com relação às morbidades, 38,7% tinha cardiopatias, 29,4% hipertensão arterial sistêmica, 28,0% diabetes mellitus e praticamente a metade dos indivíduos tinha multimorbidade (49,0%). Conclusões: Com a identificação do perfil de óbitos por COVID-19 no município de Rio Grande no período de março a dezembro de 2020, esses dados podem contribuir para auxiliar os gestores no planejamento de ações estratégicas e educativas de prevenção e combate à COVID-19, principalmente no direcionamento de grupos prioritários nas campanhas de vacinação (AU)

Objective: Describe the COVID-19 death profile in the city of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study using data from the Epidemiological Surveillance service deaths database of deaths notified from March to December 2020. Results: Of the 194 deaths, most were male (63.4%), aged 60 years or more (82.5%), of white skin color (82.5%), and living in the central historic district of the city (11.3%). With regard to occupation, the highest occurrence of deaths was among retirees (69.5%), followed by tradesmen or the self-employed (17.7%). Regarding morbidities, 38.7% had heart disease, 29.4% hypertension, 28.0% diabetes mellitus, and practically half of the individuals had multiple morbidities (49.0%). Conclusions: We identified the profile of COVID-19 deaths in the city of Rio Grande in the period from March to December 2020. These data can help health service managers to plan strategic and educational actions to prevent and combat COVID-19, mainly by targeting priority groups in vaccination campaigns

Excessive use of social media by high school students in southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of excessive use of social media and associated factors, as well as possible health consequences in high school students in southern Brazil. METHODS: This is a population-based cross-sectional study, conducted with high school students in the city of Rio Grande, RS. All students who were attending high school at the Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, campus Rio Grande, were eligible for this research in the second semester of 2019. In total, 513 students participated in the study. The dependent variable was excessive use of social media, defined as more than five hours per day. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were carried out and the Poisson regression was used to verify associations, with robust adjustment of variance. RESULTS: The prevalence of students who reported excessive use of social media was 35.9%. The groups that were most susceptible to excessive use of social media had the following profile: female, black/brown skin, aged between 18 and 20 years old, attending the first year of high school. Excessive use of social media was shown to be associated with smoking, risk of depression, anxiety and stress, high risk of suicide and drug use. CONCLUSIONS: More than a third of students used social media excessively. This behavior was associated with negative health outcomes.

Tendência e desigualdades no rastreamento autorrelatado do câncer de colo de útero nas capitais brasileiras entre 2011 e 2020 / Trends and inequalities in self-reported cervical cancer screening in Brazilian capitals from 2011 to 2020 / Tendencias y desigualdades en el seguimiento autoinformado de cáncer de cuello uterino en las capitales brasileñas entre 2011 y 2020

Resumo: Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a tendência temporal e desigualdades no rastreamento autorrelatado do câncer de colo de útero nas capitais brasileiras entre os anos de 2011 e 2020. Estudo de tendência com dados da Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (Vigitel) de 2011 a 2020. O desfecho foi a prevalência de realização de exame citopatológico nos últimos três anos. Para estimar as desigualdades, foram utilizados os índices de desigualdade de inclinação (slope index of inequality - SII) e de concentração (concentration index - CIX). Observou-se tendência crescente do desfecho no país no período pesquisado e queda na maioria das regiões, capitais e em todos os grupos de acordo com escolaridade. Houve uma queda da cobertura na maioria das regiões do Brasil. Destaca-se que o SII apresentou seus piores resultados em 2011 e 2012, alcançando 15,8p.p. (IC95%: 14,1; 17,6) e 15,0p.p. (IC95%: 13,1; 16,9), respectivamente, entre as mulheres com 12 anos ou mais de estudo. Houve queda na cobertura da realização do exame preventivo de câncer de colo de útero na maioria das regiões e capitais brasileiras entre os anos de 2011 e 2020. No período antes e durante a pandemia, houve redução do desfecho no país, nas regiões Sul e Sudeste, sugerindo que a pandemia de COVID-19 acarretou desigualdades geográficas na cobertura desse exame no país.

Abstract: This study aimed to verify the temporal trend and inequalities in self-reported cervical cancer screening in Brazilian capitals from 2011 to 2020. This is a trend study with Risk and Protective Factors Surveillance System for Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases Through Telephone Interview (Vigitel) data from 2011 to 2020. The outcome was the prevalence of cytopathological examination in the last three years. Slope index of inequality (SII) and concentration index (CIX) were used to estimate inequalities. An increasing trend in the outcome was observed in Brazil in the period surveyed, as well as a decrease in most regions, capitals, and in all groups according to education. There was a decrease in coverage in most regions of Brazil. We highlight that SII presented its worst results in 2011 and 2012, reaching 15.8p.p. (95%CI: 14.1; 17.6) and 15.0p.p. (95%CI: 13.1; 16.9), respectively, among women with 12 years or more of education. There was a decrease in coverage of cervical cancer screening in most Brazilian regions and capitals from 2011 to 2020. In the period before and during the pandemic, a reduction in the outcome was observed in the South and Southeast regions, suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic caused geographical inequalities in the coverage for this exam in Brazil.

Resumen: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar la tendencia temporal y las desigualdades en el seguimiento autoinformado de cáncer de cuello uterino en las capitales brasileñas entre 2011 y 2020. Estudio de tendencias con datos de Vigilancia de Factores de Riesgo y Protección de Enfermedades Crónicas por Encuesta Telefónica (Vigitel) en el período de 2011 a 2020. El desenlace fue la prevalencia del examen citopatológico en los últimos tres años. Para estimar las desigualdades se utilizaron los índices de inequidad absoluto (slope index of inequality - SII) y de concentración (concentration index - CIX). Hubo tendencia a un aumento del desenlace en el período en estudio y un descenso en la mayoría de las regiones, capitales y en todos los grupos según el nivel educativo. Se observó un descenso en la cobertura en la mayoría de las regiones de Brasil. Se destaca que el SII presentó un peor resultado en 2011 y 2012, alcanzando 15,8p.p. (IC95%: 14,1; 17,6) y 15,0p.p. (IC95%: 13,1; 16,9), respectivamente, entre mujeres con 12 años o más de escolaridad. Hubo un descenso en la cobertura de la detección de cáncer de cuello uterino en la mayoría de las regiones y capitales brasileñas entre 2011 y 2020. En el período anterior y durante la pandemia, hubo una reducción en el desenlace para el país, en las regiones Sur y Sudeste, lo que apunta que la pandemia del COVID-19 provocó desigualdades geográficas en la cobertura de este examen a nivel nacional.